EQUINE | Abstracts
EQUINE | Abstracts
STUDY DESIGN : Prospective , observational cross-sectional study .
METHODS : Thoroughbred racehorses competing between 2012 and 2015 were examined on-course no earlier than 30 min after racing . Examinations were recorded and graded blindly by experienced veterinarians using a 0-4 scale . Linear mixed effect models were used for analysis of continuous response variables with horse name incorporated as a random effect to account for repeated sampling and horse variability . Generalised estimating equations were used for analysis of binary responses . Performance variables were examined in 2 models , comparing EIPH grade 0 to grades 1-4 , and EIPH grade ≤2 compared with EIPH grades ≥3 , controlling race factors that could influence performance .
RESULTS : There were 3794 observations collected from 1567 horses . EIPH was detected in 55.1 % of observations . Horses with grade 4 EIPH were significantly more likely to have a lower finishing position and finish further behind the winner , less likely to place in the first 3 positions and collect race earnings , collected less earnings per race start and were slower over the last 600 m of the race than horses without EIPH ( grade 0 ). Similar associations were seen in Model 2 , with horses with EIPH grade ≥3 having inferior performance when compared to horses with EIPH ≤2 .
MAIN LIMITATIONS : Enrolment was voluntary .
CONCLUSION : Mild to moderate haemorrhage was not associated with inferior race day performance in this population of Thoroughbred racehorses . ______________________________________________
Equine Vet J . 2017 Jan 20 . Clinical study evaluating the accuracy of injecting the distal tarsal joints in the horse . Seabaugh KA , Selberg KT , Mueller PO , Eggleston RB , Peroni JF , Claunch KM1 , Markwell HJ , Baxter GM
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Osteoarthritis ( OA ) of the centrodistal ( CD ) and tarsometatarsal ( TMT ) joints is a common cause of lameness in horses . Intra-articular diagnostic anaesthesia and / or therapeutic injection are relied upon to help diagnose and treat many horses with OA of these joints .
OBJECTIVES : The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of arthrocentesis of the CD and TMT joints using a sample population of equine surgeons and surgery residents .
STUDY DESIGN : Randomised experimental study .
METHODS : Six operators each injected four CD and four TMT joints in 12 sedated horses . The operators were randomly assigned to inject either the left CD and right TMT or the right CD and left TMT on four randomly assigned horses . The joints were injected with a 4 ml solution of contrast medium ( 2 ml ), sterile saline ( 1.5 ml ) and amikacin ( 0.5 ml ). A minimum of two radiographs of each joint was obtained to evaluate the presence of contrast medium within the target joint .
RESULTS : The TMT joint was successfully injected in 23 / 24 joints ( 96 % accuracy ). The CD joint was successfully injected in 10 / 24 joints ( 42 % accuracy ). Communication between the TMT and CD joints was visible in 26 % of successful TMT injections . Communication between the CD and
10 • Equine Health Update •